Dar es Salaam. The Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) has mobilised over Sh140 billion in support of various ICT and digital infrastructure initiatives under the sixth-phase government, with part of the funding committed to ongoing rural connectivity projects valued at Sh126 billion.
These investments, which span telecom towers, internet access, educational ICT, and broadcasting improvements, are part of a broader push to close the digital divide and accelerate inclusive development, the fund’s director general, Mr Peter Mwasalyanda, said on May 26.
Speaking during a press briefing organised by the Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) in the city, Mr Mwasalyanda said the funds have been spent on extending telecommunications, internet access, broadcasting, postal services and ICT infrastructure to underserved rural and urban areas in line with the government’s agenda of inclusive development.
“These investments are a clear demonstration of the sixth phase government’s commitment to ensuring no Tanzanian is left behind in the digital transformation journey,” said Mr Mwasalyanda.
“Through UCSAF, we have supported projects that have a direct impact on lives, particularly in rural and remote communities,” he added.
He said UCSAF had facilitated the construction of 1,810 communication towers across 1,661 wards, connecting more than 25 million people to telecommunication services.
In May 2023, the Fund entered into agreements with service providers to build an additional 758 towers in 713 wards, spanning 127 districts in 26 regions.
“This project alone, which will benefit more than 8.5 million people, is being implemented with a government subsidy of Sh126 billion,” Mr Mwasalyanda noted.
To improve service quality, UCSAF also implemented a programme to upgrade 304 existing towers from 2G to either 3G or 4G networks.
“The upgrade was executed using a subsidy of Sh5.51 billion and has greatly improved network reliability and internet access in targeted areas,” he added.
Promoting digital inclusion
UCSAF has also taken deliberate steps to boost public access to the internet. The Fund established seven public internet hotspots in areas with high foot traffic such as markets, bus terminals, and universities in Dodoma, Mwanza, Tabora, and Zanzibar.
“We invested TZS 374 million in this initiative to increase internet uptake and digital awareness among citizens,” said Mr Mwasalyanda.
In support of Zanzibar’s e-governance efforts, UCSAF constructed 11 digital communication centres through a Sh250.8 million subsidy, aimed at enhancing emergency response and coordination using ICT tools.
Strengthening ICT education
Mr Mwasalyanda said UCSAF had made significant progress in equipping schools with digital tools and building ICT capacity among teachers.
“We have provided training to 3,798 teachers across the country on the effective use of ICT in teaching,” he said.
“Under the sixth phase government, we have equipped 1,121 schools with ICT devices including desktop computers, projectors, and printers. This intervention, which cost Sh5.94 billion, is helping students and teachers alike, especially in promoting STEM subjects among girls,” he added.
Support for special needs education
UCSAF is also supporting inclusive education by equipping special needs schools with advanced ICT tools such as Braille printers, laptops, smart boards and tablets.
Mr Mwasalyanda said the government had allocated Sh700 million for this initiative, with 10 vocational and rehabilitation centres for people with disabilities expected to benefit in the 2024/25 financial year.
Broadcast and postal sector interventions
UCSAF has partnered with the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) to modernise and expand its network.
“Through a subsidy of Sh6.27 billion, we supported the establishment of 19 modern radio broadcasting stations to improve access to information,” Mr Mwasalyanda explained.
In the postal sector, the Fund provided more than 500 handheld digital devices worth over Sh320 million to the Tanzania Posts Corporation (TPC), enabling them to enhance their services through technology.
Improving government communication
The Fund has also supported the Office of the Government Spokesperson by providing modern ICT equipment valued at Sh200 million.
“The goal is to facilitate efficient information sharing and improve the government’s communication with citizens,” he said.
Mr Mwasalyanda said UCSAF’s overall strategy aligned with national development priorities and the drive towards a digital economy.
“These investments have had a tangible impact across multiple sectors – from education and broadcasting to mobile connectivity and postal services,” he noted.
